Lost for Words?
Here’s What to Write in a Gift Message
Choosing the perfect gift is one thing — knowing what to write with it is another. Whether you’re sending a care package, writing a card, or adding a short note, those few words can feel like they carry a lot of weight. And when they just won’t come? You’re not alone.
Writing a thoughtful gift message can be challenging, especially when emotions run deep. But the right words, simple or borrowed, add warmth and meaning that turn any gift into something unforgettable.
Gift Message Ideas & Quotes For Every Kind of Moment
Here are some carefully picked quotes and simple gift message ideas, grouped by feeling or occasion to help you find just the right words.
💙 For Tough Times
When things feel hard, these words offer hope and comfort — a little light in the dark.
“The night is darkest just before the dawn.”
— The Dark Knight
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
— Harry Potter
“Hold on, if you feel like letting go.”
— The Chicks
“Here comes the sun.”
— The Beatles
“I want to hold you high and steal your pain.”
— Seether feat. Amy Lee
“We’re all broken, that’s how the light gets in.”
— Adapted from Leonard Cohen
“You have to keep breaking your heart until it opens.”
— Rumi
“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.”
— The Shawshank Redemption
“Sometimes you’ve got to go through the worst to get the best.”
— Gerry Cinnamon
“Just keep swimming.”
— Finding Nemo
🎉 For Birthdays & Celebrations
Celebrate milestones and brighten special days with these fun, uplifting words.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22.”
— Taylor Swift
“Cause baby, you’re a firework.”
— Katy Perry
“It’s a beautiful day, don’t let it get away.”
— U2
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
— Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
— Winnie the Pooh
“You can’t spell awesome without ME.”
— Taking Back Sunday
“You’re my wonderwall.”
— Oasis
❤️ For Love & Friendship
These quotes and gift messages share the warmth & support that make relationships so special.
“To me, you are perfect.”
— Love Actually
“You’ve got a friend in me.”
— Randy Newman / Toy Story
“Thinking of you and sending hugs.”
— (Simple gift message suggestion)
“You belong with me.”
— Taylor Swift
“You and I are gonna live forever.”
— Oasis
“You give me something to hold on to.”
— Catfish and the Bottlemen
“Just a small reminder that you are loved.”
— (Simple gift message suggestion)
“Sometimes you can’t see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others.”
— Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
💪 For Encouragement & Motivation
Boost someone’s confidence and inspire hope with these powerful words.
“You’re gonna hear me roar.”
— Katy Perry
“Lights will guide you home.”
— Coldplay
“It’s something unpredictable, but in the end it’s right.”
— Green Day
“Take your time, hurry up, the choice is yours, don’t be late.”
— Nirvana
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
— Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
“You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress.”
— Sophia Bush
“Every man dies, not every man really lives.”
— Braveheart
“You have to do everything you can, and if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining.”
— Memento
“The important thing is you be yourself.”
— Jandy Nelson
“You can be the king but watch the queen conquer.”
— Nicki Minaj
“We’re just ordinary people, we don’t know which way to go.”
— Sam Fender
🌼 When You’re Just Thinking of Them
Sometimes it’s enough to say you’re there — with these gentle reminders and simple wishes.
“Wishing you moments of peace and happiness.”
— (Simple gift message suggestion)
“Sending you a little love.”
— (Simple gift message suggestion)
“Thinking of you today.”
— (Simple gift message suggestion)
“Because you deserve a little joy.”
— (Simple gift message suggestion)
“Take care and know I’m here for you.”
— (Simple gift message suggestion)
“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of.”
— Albert Camus
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”
— W.B. Yeats
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.”
— Dead Poets Society
“I’m still standing.”
— Sing! (Elton John)
Quick Gift Message Ideas You Can Copy or Adapt
- “Thinking of you and sending hugs.”
- “A little something to brighten your day.”
- “Wishing you moments of peace and happiness.”
- “You’re in my thoughts today and always.”
- “Hope this brings a smile when you need it most.”
- “Just a small reminder that you are loved.”
- “Take care and know I’m here for you.”
- “Sending you warmth and kindness.”
- “Because you deserve a little joy.”
- “With love, now and always.”
- "Here's something to help pass the time."
Why Gift Messages Matter More Than You Think
A thoughtful gift says a lot — but a well-chosen message makes it unforgettable. It adds a personal touch, shows you care.
Whether it’s for a birthday, a difficult time, or just because, a kind message can brighten someone’s day or provide comfort.
Gift Messages Ideas & Tips
For When You Don’t Know What to Say
Keep It Simple and Sincere
You don’t need to be poetic or clever.
Honest, straightforward words often mean the most.
- “Thinking of you today.”
- “Sending you a little love.”
- “Hope this brings a smile.”
Express Yourself with Quotes, Memories, or Personal Touches
Sometimes, a quote or lyric says exactly what you feel when words just don’t come. Feel free to use one from above or choose a favourite from a song, book, or film you both love.
And if you know them well, sharing a happy memory, a funny inside joke, or even a little playlist made just for them adds that extra special touch that shows you really care.
Admit That Words Are Hard — That’s Okay
Sometimes honesty is the best message:
- “I don’t always know what to say, but I hope this helps.”
- “No words can really express how much I care.”
End with Warm Wishes
Close with a kind note or a hopeful thought:
- “Take care of yourself.”
- “Wishing you calm and comfort.”
- “Here for you, always.”
- “With love, now and always.”
Final Thoughts
When it comes to gift messages, it’s not about finding the perfect words — it’s about showing you care. Whether you say it simply, share a memory, or borrow a quote that captures how you feel, your message adds heart to your gift.
If you’re sending a care package or letterbox gift, don’t be afraid to keep it short and sweet. Often, it’s the little words that carry the biggest meaning.
